By Chris Parker
Seymour boys basketball will look to bounce back from a 9-15 season a year ago with a talented roster featuring several new players.
“With adding several new guys to the team this year, developing team chemistry will be first priority,” Seymour head coach Chris Hastings said. “We have as much talent as I’ve ever had here. Making sure every kid is bought in and playing together will be an emphasis every practice.”
Payton Bryant and Bryson Benson will be the team’s leaders. Bryant was the team’s leading scorer at 12.3 points per game last year. He earned first-team all-conference honors.
“Payton will be a senior leader for us this year,” Hastings said. “He is a returning all-conference player and our top scorer from last year. He has put in a lot of work in the off-season to expand his game in all three phases offensively. We fully expect him to have a breakout season.”
Benson was Seymour’s second-leading scorer last year with 8.8 points per game. He also pulled down 6.7 rebounds per game.
“Bryson is a hard worker who leads by example,” Hastings said. “He will be a force for us in the paint both offensively and defensively this year.”
Juniors Eli Nunnely and Bill Daily round out the returning players. Hastings described Nunnely as “one of the best shooters on the team”. He averaged 6.3 points per game last year. Daily scored 7.6 points per game as a junior.
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The rest of the varsity roster will be filled out by newcomers with three transfers and three players moving up from junior varsity.
Senior guard Ivan Whitted, junior guard Cooper Bunch and sophomore guard Luke Rasmussen will move up from junior varsity.
Hastings on Whitted: “Ivan was one of our most improved players over the summer. Has great scoring ability and can guard multiple positions.”
Hastings on Bunch: “Has made a big jump physically and has improved his skills on both ends of the floor since last year.
Hastings on Rasmussen: “One of the best defenders in the program. Has the ability to pick up full court and create havoc on the defensive end.”
The three transfers expected to make an impact are all junior guards in Chade and Dylan Noble (transfers from Mansfield) and Kason Richards (transfer from Mountain-View Liberty).
Hastings on Chade Noble: “Was an all-conference player from last year. Chade will be a great addition for us this year. He has a high basketball IQ with the ability to score the basketball and get his teammates involved. He will be a big part of our success this year.
Hastings on Dylan Noble: “Dylan’s length and athleticism will cause matchup problems for opponents. He will be able to stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the ball.”
Hastings on Richards: “Kason is our most versatile player. He can play all five position both offensively and defensively. He is a game changer with his ability to score and facilitate when needed.”
The returners combined with the newcomer give Hastings up to 10 guys that can contribute to the varsity game.
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“Our greatest strength this year will be our depth,” Hastings said. “We have 9-10 guys that will be battling for heavy varsity minutes. Being able to rotate guys in without losing production will be a huge factor in our success this year.”
The offensive production will be there, but Seymour will look to make its identity all about defense.
“Defense will be a focal point of any success that we have this year. We have some playmakers on the offensive end, so we fully believe that defense will be the difference maker between winning a district title and going home early,” Hastings said.
Seymour opens the regular season on Nov. 19 at home against Niangua.
“We have high expectations for this team,” Hastings said. “If we compete and play hard every single night, the outcome will take care of itself. I think leadership will be a big key for us. We have guys all working towards the same goal and will hold each other accountable in achieving those goals.”
